Category Manager

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward. We are looking for a Category Manager

What you will do: 

As a Global Category Manager you handle ambiguity well, can make decisions without all the data, can shift gears comfortably and can effectively cope with change. You believe that the best work is done in teams – you’re seen as a cooperative leader. You can manage multiple priorities simultaneously because of your excellent project management, organization and time management skills. You are intellectually curious – driving continual learning for you and your team. You’re also interpersonally curious – understanding that internal and external collaboration fuels improvement and best practice. You are seen as a leader and have strong indirect people management skills to influence multidisciplinary teams and peers, and to drive the global PBUs and Regional Teams towards success. 

How you will do it: 

• Responsible for developing detailed category strategies to support the Global Procurement Direct Materials organization. 

• Mentor and lead assigned Product Business Unit Buyers to support sourcing and supplier management while driving cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Ensure alignment of category strategies to business requirements and objectives. 

• Lead supplier contract negotiations, supplier selection and contract lifecycle management. 

• Act as a center of excellence for the respective categories through complete understanding of industry, competition, future technologies and innovations etc. 

• Responsible for overall continuity of supply and active risk mitigation. Project manage with plants to resolve quality, delivery, capacity and other issues as required. 

• Support make vs buy decisions when applicable. 

• Meet or exceed profit plan goals related to categories: cost savings, raw material economics, quality, supplier rationalization, payment term extensions and other agreed objectives. 

• Lead monthly or quarterly category reviews with dotted line global category team across the product business units and regions. 

What you will need: 

• Bachelor degree required 

• Min. 5 years of experience in a strategic sourcing role 

• Project Management experience 

• Extensive global sourcing experience 

• Very strong negotiation skills 

• Experienced in supplier relationship management 

• Indirect people management skills to influence dotted lines 

• Capability to interface with senior leadership across regions both internally & externally 

• In depth understanding of purchasing tools and practices 

• Strong MS Office skills; including advanced spreadsheet skills and ability to lead virtual meetings in Microsoft Teams 

• Strong costing and analytical skills 

• Working knowledge of Oracle / SAP or other equivalent ERP systems 

• Travel up to 20% domestic and international 

• Language skills not required but preferred 

What do we offer?  

• Comprehensive benefits package.  

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.  

• Supportive and inclusive work environment.  

• Commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.  

• Engagement in meaningful projects that make a difference. 

Johnson Controls does not request pregnancy or HIV testing as a condition for hiring, continued employment, or promotion, in accordance with its commitment to labor equality and non-discrimination.